Half-Time Report: Tomas Rosicky smashes Arsenal ahead in North London derby

Tomas Rosicky's early goal has given Arsenal a narrow advantage at half time in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners were in front at White Hart Lane after just 72 seconds. Rosicky broke down the right-hand side and was fed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, before unleashing a rising half-volley into the far top corner that Hugo Lloris could do nothing about.

© Getty Images

It should have been two on the quarter-hour mark when Oxlade-Chamberlain burst through on goal. He just had Lloris to beat and tried to dink the ball over the Frenchman, but got it wrong and shot well wide.

Following the Englishman's miss, Spurs began to dominate territorially.

However, they couldn't really test Wojciech Szczesny and it was Arsenal who had the next opening, but again Oxlade-Chamberlain made a mess of his shot from the edge of the box.

The counter-attack was becoming Arsenal's best friend and next to have an opportunity was Lukas Podolski, who smashed into the side-netting from a tight angle.